Yoga to Reduce Fatigue in Hospitalized Children Receiving Intensive Chemotherapy

A Feasibility Study of Yoga to Reduce Fatigue in Hospitalized Children Receiving Intensive Chemotherapy

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a major problem in children, adolescents and adults receiving treatment for cancer, and intensively treated patients may be at higher risk. While exercise is an effective intervention for CRF, patients receiving the most intensive chemotherapy may frequently be too ill to participate in a standardized exercise program. A unique intervention that combines exercise and relaxation is yoga. This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility of three times weekly yoga sessions administered by a trained yoga instructor for a three week duration and will enroll between 10 and 20 children. If feasible, the intervention will be tested in a randomized controlled trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with any acute myeloid leukemia (AML), relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia, stage 3 or 4 Burkitt's lymphoma/leukemia or about to receive autologous or allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
• Expected to be an inpatient for at least three weeks after initiation of chemotherapy or conditioning
• Ages 7 to 18 years of age at enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Features present to an extent that would preclude compliance with yoga (as assessed by the attending physician): a) motor disability, b) cognitive disability, c) cardiopulmonary symptoms, or d) known compression fracture resulting in disability
• Parent or patient cannot understand English